Utah Legislature Archives - Page 16 of 47

Politics Up Close: Crockett Runs for Mayor, Medicaid in Utah

February 3, 2012 Jeff Robinson

Salt Lake County can be better managed for less. That’s the message of former county councilman Mark Crockett, who’s now hoping to return to county government, this time as mayor. The GOP candidate says millions of dollars can be saved by cutting waste and not overlapping with city services. We asked Crockett what ideas he has to offer voters and delegates heading into the Republican convention a few months away.

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Local News

Group Calls on State Lawmakers to Stop Wasting Money on Illegal Immigration Reform

February 2, 2012 Whittney Evans

A government records request filed by the activist group United for Social Justice reveals the state has spent more than $85,000 defending Utah’s illegal immigration enforcement law passed last year. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, it’s calling on the state to stop wasting taxpayer dollars fighting an issue they say should be left up to the federal government.

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Healthcare

Bill Restricts Use of Tanning Beds by Utah Teenagers

February 2, 2012 Eric Ray

The use of tanning beds by Utah residents under 18 years old would be severely restricted under a bill sponsored by Democratic Senator Pat Jones. Receiving passionate testimony on both sides of the argument, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee discussed Senate Bill 41 for well over an hour on Thursday before signing off on the legislation.

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Local News

Senate Approves Bill to Reduce Class Size

February 2, 2012 Whittney Evans

Utah lawmakers are putting more effort into reducing class sizes in public schools, with a bill that would cap them in kindergarten through third grade clearing the Senate floor this morning. Democratic Senator Karen Morgan’s bill would limit kindergarten classrooms to 20 students, first and second grade to 22, and 24 for third grade. Any classroom that didn’t meet the limit would be required to have a teacher’s aide.

Legislative Coverage

Anti-Graffiti Bill That Inspired Hacking Rejected by Senate

February 2, 2012 Jeff Robinson

Utah Senators have changed their minds about a bill that would make it easier for police to arrest someone for graffiti, rejecting it on a vote of 11-to-17 this morning. Senate Bill 107 would have criminalized the possession of graffiti paraphernalia when it appeared someone was going to use it to vandalize property.

Legislative Coverage

Mandatory Divorce Education Bill Clears Committee

February 1, 2012 Jessica Gail

One lawmaker says he wants Utah residents to be more aware of what their options are if they decide to get a divorce. Republican Representative Jim Nielson is the sponsor of House Bill 290, which requires married couples with a minor child to take a divorce education class before they can file for divorce. He says under current law, the class is still required, but can be taken after divorce papers have been filed.

Legislative Coverage

Proposed Payday Lender Regulation Rejected

February 1, 2012 Jessica Gail

One new proposed regulation for payday lenders in Utah won’t be passed out of the legislature this year. This morning, lawmakers voted down a bill that would have forced those lenders to change the way they settle debt collections. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on the reason behind the vote, and how the sponsor is reacting.

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Local News

Controversial Anti-Graffiti Bill Moves Forward

February 1, 2012 Whittney Evans

A bill that sparked retribution from hackers on the Salt Lake City Police Department’s website moved forward in the Utah Senate today despite opposition from some Republican lawmakers. Democratic Senator Karen Mayne is sponsoring SB 107, which would criminalize the possession of graffiti paraphernalia if someone demonstrates intent to vandalize property. But Republican Senator Steve Urquhart was one of six Republicans to vote against the measure, saying it goes too far.

Legislative Coverage

Bill Aims to Eliminate Gender Bias in Custody Fights

January 31, 2012 Eric Ray

A bill that would essentially give fathers a greater chance of achieving custody of their children in a divorce passed out of the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee Tuesday. Republican Representative Ryan Wilcox, the bill’s sponsor, says it’s time custody battles are decided by what’s in the best interest of the child.

Legislative Coverage

Lawmakers Disturbed by Lack of Funding for Mortgage Fraud Prosecution

January 31, 2012 Jeff Robinson

A Democratic state lawmaker is taking the legislature to task for giving money to the Utah Attorney General’s office to sue the federal government over public lands issues, instead of putting a higher priority on prosecuting mortgage fraud. And as KCPW’s Jeff Robinson reports, the AG’s office says it has a staggering amount of such cases to deal with.

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